The Liberty Village Toastmasters Holiday Party 2010 has come and gone, and through all of the drinks, socializing, awards, and dancing, one thing is definitely clear: it was a night to remember…

The theme of the party was the “Academy Awards: Dinner & Ceremony”, and the members (or shall we call them “stars”) of the club did not disappoint. Everyone arrived at the event venue – Supermarket Restaurant & Bar – in style, wearing their sharpest suits and most glamorous dresses. We spent the first part of the evening socializing, all while helping ourselves to a delicious selection of Asian-inspired tapas plates (not to mention a drink or two…).

***RED CARPET EXCLUSIVE!!!***
Amazingly, Liberty Village Toastmasters’ red carpet correspondent (and current club President) Eric was able to secure a series of exclusive, impromptu red carpet interviews with some of the most sought-after stars of the public-speaking circuit. In the never-before-seen footage below, the members of LVTM skillfully dodge questions and self-promote in an uncanny display of improvised public speaking!

It’s an honour just to be nominated, but..
The highlight of the night was, of course, the highly-anticipated “Academy Awards” Ceremony. Priya, our Master of Ceremonies, gave an excellent demonstration of impromptu public speaking as she guided an eclectic line-up of Award Presenters. Each of the Presenters was challenged with introducing each of our Award Winners, who in turn were each challenged to give an improvised “acceptance speech” in front a live audience. Needless to say, it was an impressive display of public speaking from everyone involved. Congratulations to all of our Award Winners!

2010 Academy Award Winners

“Newest Member” Award: This member is so new that they have yet to be sworn in! Nevertheless, the ceremony was kicked-off by paying homage to our newest member. Winner: Patty

The “Longest Guest-to-Member Transition” Award: It is our guests that keep us going as a club. Their fresh faces keep speakers on their toes, and more importantly they give the Table Topics Master someone to pick on when no one raises their hand. At times, however, these faces are not so fresh, as they appear again, and again and again before signing up! Winner: Vivienne

“Most Gung-ho New Member” Award: Every year we have someone join our club who embraces Toastmasters whole-heartedly. They give their speech within the first week, volunteer to time meetings, count ahs, or check up on our grammar. They even make it out to the bar afterward! Winner: Lily

“Most Encouraging Audience Member” Award: Let’s face it, getting up to speak in front of people can be scary. Nothing warms the heart and provides that extra boost of confidence, however, like a nodding head and an energetic smile! Winners: Bing & Ian

The “Houdini” Award: Have you ever come to a meeting and met some lovely members, only to never see them again? Schedules get busy and as a result some members are scarcely seen. But there’s no doubt that we miss them! Winner: Ayfer

The “Coveted Seat” Award: Have you ever walked into an exam room, only to leap toward a special seat that you feel will bring you good luck? Well, at Toastmasters, certain people seem to have their favourite seat as well! Winner: John Kj

“Most Committed Member” Award: Some of us make a number of arrangements so that we can come to our Wednesday meetings. We rearrange schedules, we take the streetcars, subways and buses, we trudge through rain, snow and sleet. But one member drives in all the way from Milton! Winner: Bill

The “Mr. Congeniality” Award: If every person you met was like the recipient of this award, life would be easy. This award goes to the person who is nice to be around, easy to talk to and someone to look up to. Winner: Ted

The “Biggest Moment” Award: No one can deny that we hear a variety of very interesting speeches during our Wednesday meetings, but this award is for the person who shared their biggest moment with us. Winner: Hazel

The “Think on Your Feet” Award: I think it’s safe to say that we all wish we had the following talent. This person is cool as a cucumber, they have the ability to react quickly and speak when called upon. Winner: Arvind

The “Best Dressed” Award: Ever wanted to dress like a Prom King or Queen? The winners of this award tend to grace us with their suavest and most glamorous attire almost every meeting! Winners: Simon & Alena

“Most Ambitious Member” Award: We have certain members that consistently go above and beyond. In short, they are admired by far and inspire others to work harder. Winner: Valerie

“Most Valued Member” Award: There is no other way to put it than to say that this member is something special – not only as a speaker, but as a person, too. Winner: Ram

“Speaker of the Year” Award: Who spoke with poise and grace? Who kept the audience enthralled and eager to hear their next speech? Who said it best? Who is the Speaker of the Year? Winner: Priya

Once the Award Winners were all accounted for, the real party began: the event venue was transformed into a dance floor. Our members made sure to celebrate each of the awards by dancing the night away to the beats of the Supermarket’s Large Marge Holiday DJ Jam.

If that weren’t enough, the paparazzi were out in full-force the whole night, taking enough photos to fill all of the latest celebrity gossip magazines – and then some. To view the full gallery of Holiday Party pics, visit our Facebook Group and click on the Photos Tab.

After having so much fun celebrating all of the great Liberty Village Toastmasters accomplishments from 2010, we can now look forward to 2011 – to a new year of improving on our public speaking!
-Liberty Village Toastmasters